Good-bye to a True American

Though there may be differences in what I believe and what others believe in this country,
I have always been able to look beyond politics to the heart of the person.  I would like to offer this poem to the family of John McCain, who, at heart, was a true American.  He looked beyond party to consider the good of our nation.  For that, we should be most grateful.  Would that more of our politicians could do the same.  His honesty and his integrity will be missed.

 Long Live America

To the men and women who towed the line,

Walked on mines,
Kept watch day and night
So we could see the dawn’s early light.
To those who left family and friends behind,
Gave freely of their time.
To the young men and women who postponed their dreams
To give us a chance to know what freedom means.
How do we say thank you?
How do we repay such a debt as yours?
You chose to sail foreign shores
Never knowing if you would ever be back.
You came under constant attack,
But you never said no to the call.
You gave your all.
Every opportunity we enjoy
Came at great expense.
You provided our defense.
You bore the hurt and pain
Without shame,
Without fear.
Because of you, we are still here,
Standing strong on your behalf.
In your honor, we fly our flags at half-staff.
We raise our hands in salute to you,
Because this is what we do.
You are gone, but know, you will never be forgotten
No, you will never be forgotten.
Every Memorial Day, you are there.
Every Independence Day you are there,
Every Veteran’s Day, you are there.
Every victory we celebrate, you are there.
Every flag that we raise,
Every moment of praise
Is not our's alone.
From every hillside and plain,
We proudly speak your name.
Because of you, America is America,
And will always be,
America.
Because of you,
we can still sing of her spacious skies
And purple mountains majesty
You made America the beautiful country we see.
America,
Our country, our home
It is because of people like you,

We can proudly sing,

Let freedom ring!
Long live freedom,
Long live liberty,
Long live America,
Our country,
Our home.

 copyright Patricia Newman-Harris

Honoring Aretha Franklin

I consider it a joy and a privilege to have lived through decades of listening to Aretha's music,
experiencing her greatness, both as a musician and as a person, and for having the honor of being a recipient of such a rich legacy.  She has not only lived a life of greatness she has also honored her commitment to her family by leaving them a legacy they can be proud of.

I think she has left us all with the understanding that we all deserve to be treated with decency and respect, regardless of race, color, gender or sex.

Aretha, you have found your Angel to fly away with.  May you float across the heavens above.
We wish you love.

The Love Game

I grew up in a day when you kinda had an idea of a guy's intent.  You usually didn't have to guess what he meant.  If he liked you, he'd let you know.  I admit there may have been sometimes when I had to resort to, "He loves me.  He loves me not."  Generally, however, things were rather routine.  If a guy liked you, he asked you to "Go steady."  From then on, you were considered boyfriend and girlfriend.

Over the years there has been a gradual change.  I find it all strange.  Now, a girl has no clue of where a guy is coming from until one day, he announces he is "Done."  Magically, he determines that you were not the one or, he was "Just not that into you."  The problem is, you may not hear the words directly from his mouth.  The news can come from so many different platforms.  It may come via text, Instagram or Facebook.  Who knows?  You can be going out on the regular, even being intimate more regular than not, and still be introduced as his "Friend."  I grew up when friends were not anyone you slept with.  Hey, I did say I was old school.  I sure don't understand the rules.  The dating game is far from the same.  People are getting matched by Patti, making Love Connections with Andy instead of Chuck, getting Married at First Sight and making Proposals on the first night.  They are so confused they are going on TV asking the question, "Are you the one?"  I find it all intriguing.  I just wonder when finding love became so complicated?   Seems like, in spite of the numerous ways you can hook up, people seem to be incapable of hooking up without help.  They are joining Match, E Harmony or some other dating site hoping for a bite.  There is a risk in all of this.  Instead of finding the one, many have found a Catfish on their line.  It is worse than dating blind.  At least when you go on an actual blind date, you stand a better chance of not being deceived.  All I can say is I wish all of you searchers out there the best.   I really do hope you find "The One."  



Note:

I was making light of the situation, but searching for love is something most of us spend a lifetime doing.  Who knows if true love will ever come our way?  Stay encouraged.  Take the heartaches with the pain but make every effort to stay in the game.  One day you will realize it was worth it all.  Even when love is gone, you have got to let the love play on.